Birth Story!

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Home Birth Story

Had another birth last night! Go to Colorado Homebirth Stories to read it!
See the button over there??  Yep, just click on that and look for Christopher Robin and Pooh.

Another Baby Delivered Safely at Home~

G'head...skip over to Colorado Homebirth Stories....the button on the right.  Yeah, that's it.

NightLife as a Midwife

It's almost midnight.
I should be asleep.
There are babies due any minute
that I will have to drop everything
and run-off into the night to meet.

And I shouldn't be up
right now.
I should be counting sheep.
But I fell asleep watching TV at eight
and now I sit here awake.

This stinks on ice.

HomeBirth Stories = New Blog

Wanna just read about my adventures in
Home Births?

Now you can skip my real life musings
and head straight over there...

http://momzahomebirth.blogspot.com/

Christmas Birthdays

Alot of babies are trying to do their parent's a
huge tax favor
by coming before the end of the year.
There was a birth on
Saturday.
And another yesterday morning,
And yet another later in the day.
We still have one more to come.

When I was a kid
I used to wish my birthday was on
Christmas Day.


As I was driving to the early morning home birth,
it was beautiful.
The landscape was inspiring--
rolling snow-covered hills,
twinkling Christmas lights
beaming from houses and trees
along the way...
so lovely.

The home itself was decked out
for the holidays--
the tree, the lights, even a little pink stocking
with a little "L" on it--
to celebrate a new sweet little girl
arriving in that family!
It just seemed so perfectly suited
for the birth of a child.

For many of us,
we are celebrating the birth of
the Babe in Bethlehem...
the Lord, Jesus Christ
as we light the lights
fill our homes with lovely carolls,
enjoy our family and friends
with gifts and yummies--
reaching outward to show
an inward
gratitude
for the Gift of God...
that began with a little baby
lying in a manger.
But for these families
who have the blessing of a new child
fresh from heaven-
I just can't think of a sweeter gift.
And for these mothers,
they may be relating to Mary
in a new way this Christmas season.

I watched "The Nativity"
with Dani last weekend...
she commented that she has a whole new
appreciation
for what Mary went through---
"I wouldn't want to ride a donkey
while pregnant. All those miles!"
"Can you imagine giving birth in a stable? ugh."
And I was thinking of Joseph too...
We don't know if he had a donkey too,
or if he had to walk the whole way.
I love Joseph's example.

I love the blessing I have been given
to be doing what I'm doing...
helping in any way,
a woman give birth
is the most rewarding thing I can do,
other than being a Mother myself.
I love it.

So Happy Birthday, all you December babies!

All Scrubbed Up and Nowhere to Go

I went to bed last night,
with the feeling that
I would be getting a call.
Since Dani's birth last Wednesday,
and getting caught up on some sleep
and laundry
I was ready.

The call came at 3:14am
this morning.
I showered and put my scrubs on--
which let me just say
that I could wear my scrubs
every day for the rest of eternity,
no kidding.
They should not be called
"scrubs"
but
"comfies"
because.

So I went out to the BMW
and hoped it would start in
sub-below temperatures
and punched in the address
on my GPS
to send me in the right direction.

Well my GPS took me
on the scenic route...
seriously, I had to drive with my
brights on
in case wildlife poked out
on the snow-covered 2-lane backroad
I was driving.

I knew the area I was going to
and would've never taken
the way this GPS was guiding me,
but,
you know,
it's 4 am at this time
and that little GPS voice
is coaching me along
and I decided to trust it.

It took me nearly 45 minutes
to get to the Mama's house,
where had I gone the way
I know,
it would've taken 20.

Mama A.'s dilated to 5cm
but isn't sure she wants a homebirth
this go-around with child number 5.
Their family just moved into this house,
they just adopted a toddler,
and
she homeschools
-- she is plum.wore.out.

I let the Midwife visit with Mama A.
privately.
Having a natural birth is as much
emotional as it is physical.
If Mama thinks she can
she can.
If Mama is too tired to think
then she needs other options.

While Mama A. is contemplating
her options,
I help pick up the house--
a little sweeping
a few dishes
fold some blankets
straighten couch cushions...
just to keep me busy
and awake.

Emily arrives--
I love it when she arrives to the births.
She has a great energy
and we balance each other really well.
Of course, I had to share Dani's birth,
and how wonderful that experience was
for me, for her, for mankind as I know it!

Mama A.'s mother-in-law arrives,
and Mama A.'s hubby relates that
Mama A.'s feeling like she'd rather
go to the hospital and have a medicated birth
than a home birth.
We all sympathize with her.
The Midwife checks her once more--
6cm dilated and stretchy.
She could do this very quickly
if she wanted.
But she's in bed
and she's tired and doesn't feel she can.

So we smile, hug and wish her well
as Emily and I pack up
hug the Midwife goodbye--
she'll be going with her to the hospital,
and drive home in our unused scrubs.

I'm home before the kids even
have to get up for school.
I greet the Boofus who slogs outta the bathroom
with sleepy eyes and bedhead--
"are you leaving for a birth Mom?", he asks.
"No, Scooter, just coming home from one."

Only I didn't have a birth this morning--
I would've loved to have been a part of a birth
today,
but that wasn't my choice.
And this stuff happens once in awhile.
Not often,
I've certainly never had this--
but as the Midwife says,
We're so lucky we have choices in our country.

I glance at the clock,
it's 7:45am
Mama A. should be about ready to push
by now--
which means a new little baby girl
is about to take her first Colorado breath
this frosty December morning,
where it is just two degrees.

And I'm lounging around in my scrubs
with nowhere to go.

Every Woman Has the Birth She Needs

See these shoes? These Nikes with their bright orange swoosh?  They started walking the halls of Exempla Lutheran Hospital at 8:10AM on Tuesday morning.  They walked from the car to the Labor & Delivery Floor, then they walked up and down the halls of said hospital, rode on the hospital elevator to the top floor and walked down all the flights of stairs to the bottom and did that again and again. These Nike's rock almost as much as their owner.


 
See this girl, this is my girl. And Mr. Idaho's girl. I have first dibs though. Neener neener.   Meet the owner of the Nike's with the bright orange swoosh.  This is before the nurse ruptured her membranes to bring on labor for a baby that was 10 days overdue.
She even did her hair and makeup--because, as she put it, "I knew Mom would be taking pictures for her blog."  I haveta admit, I did the same thing, only I forgot to be in any pictures. I looked fabli-ous, though, really. 
When the Admitting Nurse asked Dani, on a pain scale of 1-10, when would you like to receive pain medication, Dani replied, "ten".

  
After her membranes had been ruptured for 2 hours, the Midwife said they would have to start talking about pitocin. Dani said "No thanks. I just need more time."  So she walked, and she squatted, and she sat on the birth ball, and she walked some more. And then she took a warm bath that helped kick her into labor.

She is 7 cm dilated and still on her feet.  But things were getting more intense, so we put her back into the jacuzzi...where she stayed until she was 9 cm dilated. Then she had to get out. And THAT was miserable.  She was comfortable, and coping wonderfully, but this hospital doesn't do water births, so she had to get out. We got her onto the bed, where she kneeled on the edge to help the baby come down easier than on her back. Which, btw, she hated being on her back.  By midnight, she was exhausted.  We all were.

Now this is where my Mother heart is raw and tender. My prayers were constantly for her to have strength to finish this on her own terms. At one point, she said, "I can't do this. I can't do this."  The baby was taking a long time coming down, even after she was fully dilated. Dani continued her breathing rhythm, with Mr. Idaho applying counter-pressure on her hips, and Diana and me at her side, breathing with her, all of us in chorus, praising her efforts and strength.
"You can do this! you ARE doing this! you're amazing Dani!

We're right here. We're so proud of you. Almost done, almost done."

Rubbing her shoulders and arms, applying cool compresses on her neck, and warm compresses on her perineum for her comfort.

All of our actions/thoughts were for her comfort and support.

When she had been pushing about 30-45 minutes, she was in an upright position, leaning back on the bed--she was so tired, and again said,

"I can't do this."

Diana and I were at her feet, rubbing her legs constantly, and I said, "Dani, listen to me, I want you to say: "I CAN DO THIS. Now, say it with me, I can do this. I can do this"--she joined me, and that became her mantra thru several more waves of contractions as she brought the baby down.  Even with tears, she continued,"I can do this, I can do this..." and we all in chorus echoed her words back to her, "You can do this, You can do this!"
Mr. Idaho's eyes were teary, as he became one with his wife. He praised her, loved on her, held her, and was at her side and in her ear whispering every good and kind thing in his heart. When she cried, he cried. Her anguish was his. Her relief was his relief.  She leaned on him and he welcomed every bit of it. The bond that was forged in those hours will carry them thru many other trials, I do believe. He continually expressed his love for her and reassured her that she was 'doing great' and in the process of giving her strength, I do believe he increased his own.
I was in awe of my daughter, clearly, this was a large baby, and we knew that going into labor---we suspected between 8-9 pounds.  Which is alot for Dani's 5'5" frame. We gave her honey stix for energy and the midwife gave her oxygen for renewed energy--which totally helped!

When the baby's head finally crowned, Diana, who had been a quiet supporter, spoke up, "Dani, I can see the baby's head-- you're almost done!"

Dani said, "They've been saying that for hours!"

Diana, knowing her sister so well, said, "They lied. I'm not lying. You're almost done!"

And with just a few more strong, focused pushes,

 

Garrett Theodore Bradley came into this world.

Ten Pounds, 8 ounces.

Twenty-one and a quarter inches long!

 See this girl. She's not a girl anymore. She is an Amazing, Strong Mother.

There's a Midwife Mantra that says, "Every woman has the birth she needs."
I love witnessing women give birth--it is such an empowering experience...
 it was humbling and emotional and I am left in complete awe of my daughter's strength and determination.   Dani needed to have this baby on her own terms, and she did indeed have the birth she needed.  I have never been to a birth where the baby weighed over 10 and half pounds!  I don't even know anyone who has...Dani earns the Prize. A gold star. She wins!
What a grand day!  
The baby, the Golden Child, is the picture of Perfection--a clone of his beaming father and the pillar of pride for his beautiful Mother.  Of course, I have plans on loving the dickens outta him for all of eternity!
I'm still processing this birth, so I may have left off other details and may come back and add more as I feel, and some of this may be jittery and disconnected.  But here it is.  My real life in my House.

post dated add-ons:  From the time the midwife ruptured membranes 'til the onset of real labor: 6 hours.  From the time of onset of labor 'til the birth 9 1/2 hours.  

Third Home Birth in a Week!

No sooner had I gotten home Friday,
than the call came that our overdue Mama B.
thought she might be in labor.
I was plum.wore.out.
The Midwife said she'd call me
when Mama B.'s waves were to the point
that we needed to get up there
to Littleton, CO.

I wanted to go back to bed
but it was now 4:30Pm
and Joseph's bday,
so I dragged my bum up...
thank goodness for a supportive family tho--
honestly,
Diana & her bf, Little Man went and got the
German Chocolate cake & ice cream
--Joseph's favorite,
and Mr. Wonderful picked up Papa Murphy's pizza
on his way home from work.
Some of Joseph's friends came over to celebrate
and have a sleepover.
I went to back to bed at 8:30pm
Craving some more sleep.

The call came at exactly 3 AM...
since the birth was taking place in Littleton,
the Midwife and I would ride together.
Emily, the other Assistant
would not be joining
us on this birth.
Which sorta freaked my guts out
a tiny smidge.
Emily is amazing & sharp.
I wondered if I could fill her shoes
but decided I could just do my best
and hoped that was enough.

So I jumped in the shower
and Mr. W got up with me,
kissed me goodbye
and off I went with The Midwife.

Approx. 4:45AM
Mama B.'s labor was consistent
but dragging
when we arrived...
The Midwife gave her some
Labor Enhancer herbs
which wasn't as effective on her as we'd hoped.
Then some castor oil--
which I am just gonna say
would probably make me lose it--
as in upchuck;
but Mama B. chugged it down,
chased it with OJ
and even said it wasn't that bad.
bleh.
It was a very special day
in their house--
it was her daughter's 2nd birthday!
Yes that's right--both of her children
have the same birthdate!

Waves picked up
but still not increasing in intensity
so The Midwife pulled out her bag of tricks
then
we told her to rest as much as possible
so she piled pillows all around her,
put on her ipod music
we gave her some positive affirmations
to contemplate while she rested,
we shut her door and headed to breakfast
in town...
Mama B.'s mother and sister (aka the girls)were in town
for the birth from Waco, Texas..
they were anxious
for this birth to happen
before they had to return.
Along with Mama B., Papa K.,
the girls all laid down in our absence.

When we came back,
everyone was up except for Mama B.--
but she surfaced
at 10:30AM,
looking refreshed
and waves began coming
every 2 minutes!
YES!
Papa K. put on Enya music
and then Mama B. led the way!

She sat on a birthing ball
with her belly overhanging,
ate some chicken noodle soup
and then asked if i would do her one favor,
"Will you put a can of Dr. Pepper in the freezer for me,
for afterwards?"
She continued to labor on the birthball
or standing
as she leaned on the back of her sofa
until she felt like she was in transition...
The Midwife checked her
and yes she was!
SO into the labor pool she went!
About that time,
it started snowin too--
so how cool was that?

Papa K was attentive
 always always always
sweet words & attitude,
effleuraging her arms
counter-pressure on her sacrum
whatever she needed
he was there for her.
They made a really great team.

Mama B. was so in tune with her body;
she would tell us when she felt
a particular contraction had made a difference
in her cervix...
to look at her,
one would never know she was
ready to push--
until she let out a low grunt
and her body began spontaneously
pushing!

She tried several different pushing
positions:
squatting
lungeing
hands and knees
reclining in her hubby's arms---
all that moving helped
the baby to come down easily
and finally his noggin appeared
and with the next couple of pushes
little J.'s body followed!
Time 1:30PM.

It was quite the celebration
of joy & tears!
She did it
and it was perfect!
And what a chunky monkey he was!
Oh my! Round little noggin, chubby cheeks,
chubby neck, chubby chubby chubbiness!!
His weight 9lbs. 5 oz.!

Mama B. delivered the placenta
and was ready to get out of the pool
and get cleaned up.
She was a little concerned that she might
get light-headed
so we gave her some string cheese
and drink
and told her to take her time.
I also smiled and told her
I'm too old to pick her up
so she'll have to make it to the bed--lol.
ANd of course, she did just fine.
Within an hour,
she was laying in bed
and had her Dr. Pepper
and her laptop--
posting her great news
on Facebook!!
Within an hour!
That is how young people do it these days
I guess.

I quickly packed things up
as a huge snowstorm was in progress
and we needed to get back to the Springs
before the roads got too icy.
So we tucked the family in
said our goodbyes
and left with hearts so full of gratitude
for our 3rd safe home birth this week!

I have one more left--
my grandson is due this week.
I can hardly wait to meet this
sweet little boy!

The Amazing Almost Waterbirth

Yesterday started out fairly ordinary...
kids left for school,
I cleaned the house.
Except that yesterday,
I cleaned a little deeper
than normal
knowing there are alot of
babies
on the way
and I wouldn't have
a)the time to clean
b) the energy.

The rest of the day
was actually relaxing--
lunch with my BFF's
and ya know, the usual.

Then, around late-afternoon
I get the call.
You know the call, right?
After all these months,
you know what I"m saying
when I say
"the call"--
if not, go back to other posts
then come back here,
cuz even tho I could've told you
what "the call" means
it's really just the principal
of the thing now.

SO, THE Midwife:
"Mama M. thinks she is in early labor.
Contractions are about 10 minutes apart
and have been all morning. Just giving you a
heads-up."
 We went to dinner over at Nan's house--
whose husband makes the best hamburgers
on the block, and she makes a wick'd potato salad---
which meant no cooking or clean-up for me!
Gotta love that!


Just as we were finishing up,
another call--
"we're heading up the Pass,
wanna meet us at such-and-such,
so we can go together?"

Now, "up the Pass" is referring
to the canyon
between Colorado Springs
and Woodland Park--
a beautiful touristy-town in the mountains--
elevation around 8000 feet.

I threw all the kids
into the car,
drove the kids home,
and headed up the Pass.

I met the other Midwives
in the appointed Parking Lot
and up we went...
Up Up Up!!
Into the dark rolling mountains
driving to get to our Mama M.
She is living an authentic Colorado lifestyle--
up in the mountains,
out in the middle of nowhere--
not in an urban neighborhood
with street signs and lights.

ANYWHO,
after a few pass-bys,
turn-arounds,
back-ups,
and the like,
we finally find the driveway
of what is Mama M.'s home--
it helped that her Mother
was at the end of said driveway,
in her car, lights on,
waving wildly
so we could see it!
That always helps, fyi.

G-Ma's first words:
"I'm sooo glad you gals are here!
I don't know what I'm doing."

Okay, so let me say that while I am
smiling, smiling, smiling--
I am actually thinking,
"Bears live up here. Watch out for hairy
moving objects, and make sure you run faster
than the other midwives."
You know that, right? 
That you don't have to outrun a bear--
just the other person with you!


Anyway, that fear-factor
was actually very motivating as we
brought in all things
midwife/homebirth stuff--
we did it in two trips
which normally might take
four.
Fear can be a wonderful motivator,
just sayin.

Mama M. is in the livingroom
wearing a bikini top and sarong
drinking her Aqua Pure
and smiling as we enter.
Her family is there too--
everyone's faces wearing the same
expressions: gratitude and wonder.
Time 7:30PM

Emily and I quickly set-up
while The Midwife
does an assessment of Mama M.
Again, it's the same things:
set-up the Birth area:
birth kit,
baby kit,
labor pool,
bed area.
In the kitchen:
slice up some fresh ginger
into the water-filled crockpot,
boil some water for instruments,
find bowls for cool water compresses
and for emesis, if needed.

Mama M. is 3 cm dilated--
but just after we get there,
her body starts working--
she's been waiting for us.
Waves begin coming 5
then 3
then 2 minutes apart.
I do counterpressure on her hips
which she loves
and requests for each contraction.
Emily is with Mama M. in front--
breathing,
smoothing her forehead with finger massage,
words
words
words...
"You are doing wonderful."
"That's right, great job."
"Perfect. Just let each wave go through you."
"Relax your face and jaw."
"Let go of your shoulders."
And on and on we go.

We become part of Mama M.'s birth ritual.
Even between waves,
I am effleuraging her shoulders
and back muscles,
and we take a walk around the dining table
to keep circulation going...
she is laboring standing up--
the perfect position for early labor
because each wave counts towards progression
as the baby's head is gently
pushed spot on the cervix.

Mama M. is leading us all...
where she walks
I am right behind...
we make it around the table twice
and then lean over the back of the sofa
with soft pillows to support
her as she leans over
and lets her belly hang
and releases all her will
over to her body's natural labor.
Once the wave is over,
we again circle the diningroom table
twice,
and back to the sofa--
over and over again.

Two hours later,
she is 5 cm dilated.
The Midwife says
one more cm and it's "pool time"...
waves are coming quicker
but not more than Mama M. can handle
with support...
just 15 minutes more
and she is ahhhhhh
in the warm water
relaxing all her muscles.
"This feels so great."

I am in a different role
now--
tucked off to the side
I am not part of her ritual anymore--
hubby has stepped in,
supported by Emily and The Midwife.
I am charting every two minutes:
fetal heart tones
Mama's pulse, blood pressure,
words.
All of it.
The water is therapeutic--
within minutes,
Mama M. says she wants to push...!
YEA!!
The Midwife checks...
yes! Nearly complete!
Mama M. can give little pushes
when she feels the need...
"I can't help it.", she says.
Just a couple more waves
and Mama M. is complete
and she is
pushing with each wave
as her body guides her along.
She gets a small
"rest and be thankful" phase--
she can talk eaily and express her needs--
she is laughing ather hubby's corny jokes.

She pushes and pushes
until the head is out!
YES!
But it's a tight squeeze
so The Midwife
wants her on the bed
to finish delivery..
the entire baby is delivered
two minutes
later!
Time 11:00PM, sharp.

A beautiful son has taken his place in this little family
and their lives will never be the same.

Everything runs smoothly
with the afterbirth
and soon the sounds of a very happy
Mama M. are wafting from the bathroom
as she is showering:
"I seriously feel so great!  This feels so good!"
Hubby expresses equal amazment:
"That was so fast! Is this a dream? It's really over?"

Yes, it is.
Time to pack up and head back down
the Pass...
Michael Buble' cranked up,
I'm headed Home.

Shout-Outs, HomeBirth and Heaven-stuff

It's 2:30AM Tuesday morning.
I'm not a night owl
nor am I an early bird.
Coughing got me up
to make some Echinacea tea
and check emails and others blogs
that I missed reading over the
weekend.
Everyone has been so busy
out in blogland!
SO here's my shoutouts:

~Wendy, so glad you are still alive
after the whitewater rafting trip!

I wanna do that someday! Fear and common sense
seem to get in my way! I just need to jump in!

~Sue, Tammy, and all the others who posted
about General Conference,

I'm right there with you!
The house was like Grand Central Station
for Conference,
as people poured in and out to watch
the 4 different sessions with our family.
And I loved it, too.
I will say, I missed President Hinckley
alot this year.
Especially at the end of Sunday afternoon--
I longed to see that little grey-haired Granpa
walk over to the podium
and tell everyone to drive home safely,
like he always did.

~Sara, you look beautiful pregnant!

I got a birth call on Monday morning
at 12:45 am that one of our pregnant Moms
was in active labor...
that call always gives me an instant shot
of adrenaline!
I got over to the house to find Momma D.
being comforted by Papa R. as she slowly breathed thru
each wave of contractions.
I brought things out of the Midwife's car
and began the set-up.
Emily arrived and I am always glad when she shows up!
She is a younger gal who has been doing homebirth
a long time and makes her job look effortless.
After the set-up was complete,
we decided that one of us should sleep
while two watched after Momma D.
Since I've been the one with a cold
last week,
I was voted to rest first.
I welcomed it and went downstairs to rest.
The only WAHHH moment I wanna share
is that there were no blankets or throws
to be found
and the heat vents were closed
so I was a popsicle!
After an hour's rest,
it was evident that Momma D.'s Baby
was in a posterior position and needed to be turned.
So we tried lots of different positions
and took her over to an awesome
Chiropractors' office for an adjustment.
This Guy was amazing!
We were there 35 minutes
and he rotated the baby!
I am not kidding! I saw it with my own eyes!
And his technique was nearly imperceivable!
Dr. Davis, you rock!
Momma D.'s labor went from a
sluggish 8 minutes
apart,
to a fast clipping 5, 4, 3 minutes apart
within an hour afterwards!
Yea! for people who know what they're doing
and do it perfectly!
Momma wondered aloud
if the pain was going to get worse.
"are you sure it's not going to get
worse than this?"--
she was a first time Momma
and handled her labor very well.
From the time she was adjusted
to the time she was complete-
it was only 3 1/2 hours.
She loved the pool
and said she wanted no part of the
birthing stool
yet when it came right down to it
the stool really helped her
bring that baby down.
Delivery was alot of work
but @ 1:40 PM
the newest perfect little boy came into the world!
And here's something wild--
going into labor noone knew what the Gender was--
so as I'm tending to Momma D.
I was saying a prayer for her and baby
and the rest of us too--
and I just asked Heavenly Father
what the gender was--
am I praying for a male spirit or a female?
Male, came back the answer.
So as the other people in the room
were referring to the baby as "she"
I kept saying "he"--
even when the hearttones suggested
"girl"--
I smiled and said,
"nope, I'm betting it's a boy."
I learned that you can put questions
out there and get an answer
right then.
So after many hours away from home,
I returned with stringy hair (from the sauna-like bedroom)
and a need for a hot shower
with a little bit of heaven
in my heart.
The weekend seemed to go forever
but I am looking forward
to a very boring
Tuesday.

Hollywood and Homebirth

I attended a home birth last night.
The couple is not your typical
couple.
They're in the movie business.
Like, so in the movie business
that one of them is nominated
for an Emmy
right now.
So how cool is that? Way.

And no, I can't name names.

But this has been an eye-opening
experience for a small town
girl like me.

The Prenatals were
unusual for me.
They came in like
well, like most
high-powered California couples
attitudes that you don't see much
in this little town.

Mr Wonderful's brother
"Zippy"
lives in CA.
and when he comes to visit us
it takes him 3 full days
to wind down
in our home.

This couple
was like
that.
Places-to-go,
People-to-see
kinda people.

It was at times
intimidating
and
comical...
they didn't know,
nor could they know
that
their world
was about to
outgrow
any place
any other person
any time
or agenda.

For Dad, the waiting
was just so
long
...
he had a movie trailer to do...
so many things are on hold
until this baby is born.
He didn't know that time
was going to be
suspended.


Birth is a great equalizer...
when we arrived
Mama was quiet
focused
amazingly in control.

Dad was
happier than I've seen him--
excited
pacing
sweating
so focused.

The other midwives
and I
followed Mama upstairs.
Dad was right behind.

Mama got in the labor pool
and ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
there goes her shoulders
as the warm water caressed
her body
and mind.

Dad's cameras are all over
but he's not clicking them.
He's whispering in her ear
comforting words--
he's not in
L.A.
he's in her head
and she is loving it.

Classical music is playing
and noone is speaking
above a whisper...
we dont' want to
disrupt the mood.
It's just perfect.
Better than a movie.
In fact,
I wish every woman I know
could've been there
to witness her relaxed state
almost dozing off between contractions.
It wouldn't have made a good movie
tho
because there was nothing to see.
It was too calm
for the masses...
people wouldn't pay
to see this...
there's no script
no flash.

The baby is born--
Mama asks
"Is it a Boy or Girl?"
She peeks and says
"I can't tell!
Wait!--it's a Girl!"

She'd wanted the surprise at the end.
All of the midwives have known
for months.
And that is a hard secret
to keep!
Whew! for relief!

As the two
become
three
I notice the
absence of "L.A."
in them both.
Their countenances are bright
and calm...
I see
Just two very brand new
parents asking the same questions
I remember asking when I had my firstborn:

"Is she okay? Is that normal?
Is that good? What does that mean?
When should I do that? What else?
Tell me what I should know!"

After the birth and Mama is resting
I ask her what she wants to eat...
this woman who has travelled the world
and could have anything she wants--
asks for a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich
with a glass of milk.
My kinda gal.

While eating
she praises my PB&J-making abilities...
so gracious
so grateful.

I ask Dad if I can get him something to eat...
he asks for the same thing.
Really? A PB&J?
Wow.

Somehow, we're all family
now... in this suspension of time.
The intimacy of birth
does that.

Later Dad goes downstairs
and plays the piano
beautifully...
the music fills the house.
Mama hears him
and serenely smiles
as though she'd just received
a gift.

Dad holds his new love.
His heart melts in her
tiny fingers.
"She's amazing."
His eyes see nothing else
his ears are primed
for only his
daughter.
His heart tells him
this is the best day
ever.
Oh he's toast.

After eating
Mama is resting
feeding the new Princess
who will undoubtedly
travel the world
in months to come...
but her journey started here
in a little
town
on the East side of the
Rockies.

Doula Moments

mommy graphics

Yesterday was Prenatals Day at the clinic.
Every hour a beautiful belly with bright eyes
and arms and legs
and warm smiles
walked into the office.

I love those bellies.
Not in a creepy, fetish-y way
but in a happy, sisterly way.
I love em.

Many of our Moms are ready
to
pop.

And they all consistently said the same thing:
"It's gone by so fast."

As we listen to heart tones
for the
th-thump thump thump
rapid-firing
thru the dopler
what is it about that sound
that makes us so dang happy?

Knowing a little baby is
living
thriving
inside the round belly
is just the best peek into
Godly things
Creation
Life's eternal nature
that we have.
And I love being a part of it.

As we watch the Ultrasound
screen
eyes peeled
alert and wide
for a hand
a leg
and OH! there's his/her face!
We delight in the sights!

And I watched a couple
hold hands
and beam as the ultrasound
searches for their child's gender...
Momma says she's felt it's a
Boy
since the beginning.
Daddy smiles and says he hopes she right,
they both agree it really doesn't matter
"just as long as it's healthy."
Momma was right from the beginning.
It's a Boy!
Little tears surface as they smile
knowing he's been there all along.
Elijah.

All day long
Bellies walk thru the door.
Some bellies have not seen labor yet
Some have seen labor many times.
One belly is ready ready ready
to see labor for the first time
and is wondering when it will happen?
We all smile and say,
"It'll go by so fast. Enjoy your last quiet moments together!"

And isn't that a happy thought?!




mommy graphics



What about you? Did you want to know the sex of your child right away or did you want the surprise at the end?
Did you use a Doula?

What's it like at a HomeBirth?

I get "the call" at 12:10pm...do I wanna attend a birth today?
Heck yes, I do!
Phone calls are made for kids
a quick shower (like 5 minutes!)
I grab my doula bag, the birth ball
a pack of crackers
one of Mr. W's ice-cold Cola-products
and I am out the door
by 12:30.

I arrive just at 1pm.

The house is busy but relaxed.
Mama-to-Be (A.) is hanging out in the kitchen
smiling, chatting with a friend.
I get briefed by the Midwife
Contractions are 10 minutes apart
A. is 4 cm dilated.

Birth Assistant, Emily motions to me
We have work to do
we get the bedroom ready for
Birth.

We cover the sheets with a plastic liner
in this case it's a new shower curtain liner.
Light purple and shiny.
Then we place another sheet set over that.
And lay a couple of Chux pads down.
We want to keep everything as clean as possible.
Then we fluff the pillows
and fold over the bedcover at the end of the bed.
That's done.

Next, we get the birth kit ready.
We place infant receiving blankets
infant caps
and
the "I was born at home"
tshirt in the infant tub
and cover it with a heating pad.
We want it all to be warm for baby.

We prepare all the instruments
by putting them in a large pot on the stove
and boil them for 20 minutes.

We fill a bowl with ice
and water
and a washcloth
for Mama A.
It'll feel good to her
while she's working so hard in labor
to have a cool cloth on her forehead and neck and shoulders.

We fill a crockpot
with water
and fresh ginger slices
and a washcloth.
Warm compresses
for Mama A. to help
with perineum care after birth.
The ginger helps with swelling.

We get out the O2 tanks
check the regulator and the settings.
We check the Midwife's bag
to make sure she has everything plus some.
Gloves, gauze pads, herbs and tinctures,
it's all in there. Whatever she needs.

We set up the bathroom for Mama A.
We pour witch-hazel on sanitary pads
and put them in a ziplock bag
and tuck them in the freezer.
TO be used by Mama A. after birth
again for swelling and comfort.

We pre-make the Gele' bottle
make sure there are fresh towels
all for Mama A.

We check the Labor tub
the air pressure is low
so we add more air
the water temp is 104o
so we add cool water.
We want it to feel just right
for Mama A.
We check the temp again
Perfect.

Family and Friends
arrive and fill the house with
chatter and excitement
"How's it going?"
"how far along?"
"Is she really in labor?"

Once the set-up is complete
we decide to give the family some time
to just be.
So we leave to go grab a bite to eat
nearby.
Contractions are steady but easy for Mama A.
there's no sense in us just being there.
This is their day.

We climb in the car together
and collectively get on the
same page as we head to
Olive Garden.
We get seated
get our glasses of water with lemon
Place our orders
laugh that we all ordered
the same. exact. thing.
Then the Midwife's cell phone rings!
We hold our breath while reaching for our purses.
We hear her say,
"Yes? How long ago? Was it clear?"
Her water broke.
We won't be staying for lunch afterall.
We cancel the order and head back
to the Mama.
It's 2:20pm.

The mood has changed in the house
when we return.
Mama is now subdued
and her family & friends' moods follow her.

She is focused and breathing
but still smiling.
Her many coaches
encourage
praise
love her.

We give her
many
many
many
drinks.

After a few contractions
she goes to the bathroom
We want her to keep her bladder empty
to give the baby room to move down.

A few more contractions
and verbal cues from Mama
we know she is in transition...
she gets in the warm comforting waters
of the Labor pool...
and her face relaxes
her shoulders drop
as she melts into the water.

Because she is so relaxed
the contractions come quicker
as she breathes thru each one
she decides that leaning on the side of the pool
with her arms
and knees under her
is a great position
so she continues to
breathe with each wave of her uterus.

I am charting each contraction
every two minutes...
while the Midwife listens to fetal heart tones
and Emily checks Mama A.'s vitals.
It's all good.

Mama is leading us all...
she is the center of our world right now
She and her Baby...
Papa M. has come more into action--
it is his voice she wants to hear
his hands she wants to feel
his eyes she looks to for truth
and encouragement.
Her friends rub her shoulders
and arms with aromatherapy lotion
that fills her head with relaxing scents
of lavendar and eucalyptus.

At 3:10 Mama A. lets out a grunt...
and we all smile...
spontaneous pushing!
Yea! She needs no counting or coaching to push
as she listens and obeys her body.
Each wave brings her baby closer to her arms
Mama A. is working hard
those cool compresses are welcomed.

Family and friends are One with the rest of us.
I sit on the only available edge of the bed
and chart chart chart
each heart tone
each grimace
each word Mama says.

Mama decides to use the
Birthing Stool.
Standing in the pool
she says
"It feels so good to stand up!"
Papa covers her with a big warm towel
and she sits on the stool
with her dear friend behind her for support
and the Midwife and Papa at her knees.
Papa is going to catch the baby
with the Midwife's guidance.

Two contractions and
we see the head clearly!
"You're doing great, Mama!"
"Push past the Pain, Push past it!"
She listens and give one huge push--
our own faces are twisted
and teeth are gritted
with hers...
And there's a baby face!
One more push
and there's the rest!
3:41pm.

Mama's face says it all:
Lit up like the 4th of July!
Pure relief rushes over her body.
The Midwife is taking care of Mama A.
Emily is checking out the baby while
kneeling next to Mama A. & Baby.
The cord is still attached and will be for awhile.

The placenta delivers within 10 minutes
then we place the placenta in a bag
and Papa gets to hold his
Son.

We help Mama to the bed.
More drinks.
I am still charting
every single thing.
Baby is getting his first meal.

After Baby has nursed
and Mama has rested for an hour
she gets to the bathroom with help.
Papa is singing "Elmo's Song" to his son.

We quickly start to transform
the bedroom~
let the air out of the labor tub
put away all the "Stuff"
change the bedsheets back to normal.
Since the baby wasn't delivered on the bed
the sheets are not even messed.
But we put them in the washer anyway.

We move
move
move
quickly
to get it all put away--with the mantra
"leave no trace that a baby was born here"
we want it spotless.

The Baby Exam time arrives
and together Emily and the Midwife
do the accessment together
while I am still charting.
It's time to weigh this boy!
"What do ya think?" comes out the cue
"7.4" "7.10" I say "7.7"
Emily places the baby on the scale
6.10 !!
Wow! yea!
Who cares?--He's beautiful!!

It's Mama's turn for an exam
Uterus is firm
a small slight tear that will heal
perfectly on it's own
with rest and comfort
Mama's face is relaxed and alert.
"I'm so glad I'm home."

We make Papa some food
and a friend makes a run to
Qdoba
for Mama A. who has decided she is
ready for some good food!
Family and Friends leave.

It's time to go.
We tuck the family into bed
and close the door.

We go back to the car.
Tired.
Satisfied.
Go back to Olive Garden
and review the Birth.
Hugs.
Home.

Little tears
are caught on my cheek
as I drive home.
I just saw a miracle today.

Let's Take a Peek, Shall We?

It was a great day at the birth clinic yesterday! I love being there so much. It'd been 3 weeks b/c of vacations--so good to be back.
As I was telling Mr W, it doesn't feel like work when I'm there. Yes, I'm busy but it's a "happy"
busy--I love our clients and it's fabulous to meet new ones too.
The day just zooms past us as we visit. Midwife appointments last an entire hour. We catch up on the Momma's activities, answer questions, listen to the baby's heart and take a peek thru ultrasound sometimes too. The flow is mesmerizing. The clock zips past hour after hour.
Yesterday a couple came in that has 2 sons already. Momma was getting her first ultrasound, and they both wanted to know the gender. Momma said for her it was like Christmas Eve--she couldn't sleep the night before b/c she's so excited to find out if it's a Boy or Girl. Both of them were just so cute, they were about to spontaneously combust! SO we take a peek...baby's legs are crossed.
And baby is moving so much we couldn't get a peek....then finally! we see what looks like 3 little lines...indicative of a GIRL. Momma is so excited, but refuses to believe the first look, so we look again, and again, and again. Three lines every time. We all smile big smiles and hugs all around! It's a Girl!
Dad starts talking about buying a shotgun.
Momma can't wait to get home and "tell about 100 people who are anxious to know too!"
And off they went...so diliriously happy to know they are going to painting the nursery Pink.

The very next couple is the total opposite. They are a professional couple in the Movie business.
This is their first child. They've been living in LA but will be here thru the winter for work.
She is due next month, and they do NOT want to know the sex! They want the big surprise at the end of the birth. We need to do an ultrasound because upon palpation, cannot confidently say the baby's head is down...they squint their eyes like we're playing pin- the- tail- on -the- donkey.
"Don't tell us!" they chime.
We discover that yes, the baby's head is up on the left side. SO we tell her some things she can do to help the baby get into a better position.
Once they leave, I whisper to Dotti, "its a girl." She smiles and says, "Yeah, I know."
I supress silly giggles because I'm so dang excited for them...they're going to have a daughter.

A girl, A boy. What difference does it make?
To know or not to know. Does it make a difference??